Details

Unique 440 Hearing Aids

The Unique 440 is the premium range of hearing aids in Widex's new "Unique" range. The feedback from users of these devices so far has been outstanding, even experienced Widex users say that these are the best Widex hearing aids that they have ever used. Widex have introduced some new technology and some new strategies with this new range including their latest wind noise management feature and for the first time sound classes.

MAIN FEATURES

Sound Processing

The Unique 440 uses Widex's new U-platform chip which processes sounds across 15 channels. 15 channels is typical of all Widex flagship hearing aids. What is different for Widex though is the introduction of and use of "Sound Class Technology", this feature classifies what kind of sound environment you are currently in out of a choice of nine possible environments that are programmed in. It then adjusts the sound accordingly to maximise your ability to hear speech sounds clearly. The 440 has the most channels in the range and also has a "High Frequency Boost" feature that isn't available in the lower models to give additional speech clarity when needed.

Wind noise attenuation

Widex claims that it's new wind noise attenuation feature is an industry leading wind noise reduction feature. Widex don't make claims very lightly, so we would be of the opinion that if they say it, it is true. The Unique 440 can attenuate more wind noise than any other hearing aid out there, no matter the direction the wind is coming from, even from directly ahead. However this new feature is only available on the 440 models. It makes the 440 an ideal choice of hearing aid for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

Background noise reduction

All manufacturers have good background noise reduction features as standard these days. However, Widex have introduced a new feature that has extra emphasis on reducing softer, low level background noise that may be annoying. Widex have always put great emphasis on soft sound inputs because they believe that soft sounds in speech are very important for understanding. However, there are soft input sounds that you just don't want to or need to hear, like a computer fan or the noise of a fridge. This new feature in combination with their existing noise reduction features mean that Widex hearing aids are now comfortable in all sound environments.

Wider dynamic range of hearing

Widex have also introduced a wider dynamic range of hearing to the Unique so you can hear more than ever. What this means is that most hearing aids take a range of sounds from quiet to loud and compress them into what hearing you have remaining to provide you with the full range of sounds for you to hear. They often ignore the very softest sounds and don't process louder sounds very well. What the Widex Unique hearing aids are doing is extending that range slightly so that very very quiet sounds (5dB) that aren't picked up by normal hearing aids will now be processed enabling you to hear the low sounds that most hearing aids ignore. This will allow you access to even the softest speech cues.

Connectivity

For communicating with other devices there is the COM-DEX accessory, which is a bluetooth enabled pendant you hang around your neck. This will pair to your phone so that you can stream audio to your hearing aids from your phone, via the COM-DEX. You can also download an app for your smartphone (Apple or Android) which lets you use it to remotely control the hearing aids. Also available are the usual range of extra accessories for TV or audio equipment streaming. Widex use their very own type of wireless communication protocol, it is recognised as the very best in the business.

UNIQUE 440 HEARING AID TYPES & SIZES

There are three sizes of behind the ear model and three in the ear models available. The Passion is the slim, attractive behind the ear receiver-in-canal model and is suitable for most hearing losses. It has no manual controls so can only be adjusted by remote control or app. The Fusion is the larger, more powerful behind the ear model which also features a push button for program changing. The Fashion is the largest of the over the ear models and is mainly for people who want or need a full earmold.

Of the three in the ear models, one is the standard sized in-the-ear, one is the CIC or completely-in-the-canal. The smallest is the CIC-M which is Widex's equivalent of an IIC or invisible-in-the-canal. Being so small, some features had to be cut from this model, mainly anything requiring wireless communication which this aid cannot fit in.